Fatal crash involving Jeep, 2 bicyclists being investigated

A serious crash between a Jeep and two bicyclists is being investigated.

Author:
Laura Hartman, Nina DeSarro

Published:
9:29 AM EDT July 15, 2017

Updated:
7:30 PM EDT July 15, 2017

One bicyclist is dead and another is seriously injured following a crash in Gaines Township on Saturday morning.

The accident occurred just before 8 a.m. on Hanna Lake Avenue in Caledonia, between 92nd Street and 100th Street.

According to deputies, a Jeep driven by a 83-year-old Gerald Geerlings, of Caledonia, was heading south on Hanna Lake Avenue, and hit two bicyclists. Both were taken to the hospital.

One of the cyclists, 76-year-old Clarence Doornbos, of Caledonia sustained fatal injured. The other bicyclist, 69-year-old Claire Elgersma, of Kentwood, sustained serious injuries but is expected to recover.

Sheriff deputies say the cyclists were struck from behind. They say the Elgersma was wearing a high visibility shirt and had a flashing red light on the back of her bike.

Police say the terrain in the area is hilly but don't believe sight distance would have prevented Geerlings from seeing the riders. It's too early to tell if speed was a factor.